The Wisconsin Geocaching Association (WGA) has expressed an interest in holding a combined event in the spring.

Below is some information forwarded to me about previous events. I am looking for two things from the MnGCA: 1) the number of people who would be interested in attending May 17-19, 2013, and 2) volunteers to help plan, organize, and keep the event running.

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First some background.

The first WGA Campout event was held on the weekend of May 17, 2002 at Gov. Dodge State Park. We normally reserve a group campsite for the weekend, as well as a shelter. The group site(s) usually fill up, but many prefer to rent their own individual site. There is usually a campfire social at the group site where everyone is welcome.

Some traditions have faded, but a few have remained since the first event. The night caches have been one of the favorite parts of the events. Some of the past night caches have included lights, animated objects, ghosts, UFOs and sound among other things. Most of the caches would not be possible as "real" geocaches. The possibilities are limited only by imagination.

Another long standing tradition is our Sunday morning pancake breakfast. The WGA BOD serves up all-you-can-eat pancakes and sausage to all comers.

Since the WGA no longer places "temp" caches, we have been recruiting local cachers to place a number of new caches in and around the parks we are at. Depending on the local talent, it might be possible to log a seven cache type day.

Depending on what our comittee members come up with, we ususally have the standard event games such as the flag game and BINGO. We've also had fishing contests, photo contests, and anything else to keep things fun.

In 2013, the WGA Campout event will be held at Interstate Park. The proposed dates are May 17-19. As of right now, little planning has been done. We are anxiously waiting to hear ideas from your planners to make this event a huge success for both of our organizations.

I'm Jim of JimandLinda, President of the WGA. I've been looking for a reason for the past 10 years to visit Interstate Park. I roamed the grounds there for a day or 2 that long ago, and it is an amazing place!

The WGA Campout moves around the Badger State each year and NW Wisconsin was next in line. Being so close to our MN neighbors, it was hard NOT to invite you over for the fun!

As Brian, our VP, posted above, the schedule can be full, or you can use the weekend just to relax or socialize. You don't need to camp to attend. I DON'T CAMP! But I'll be there for a couple days when the sun is up, and I'm looking forward to meeting many new faces from our friends to the west.

I would definitely be interested in attending; I haven't yet visited that park, but I've heard good things. Camping...maybe. We might have a camper by then...and it depends on a few things._________________"We never seek things for themselves-what we seek is the very seeking of things"-Pascal

The shelter and group campsite reservations have been made. We (the WGA) have two events between now and May, but planning is moving ahead for this one.
One idea that's being considered for this event is a dutch oven cookoff. If this sounds interesting, or if there is something that you think would make this an even better event, just post it here.

The rules have been posted on the cache page for the Dutch Oven cookoff. Please check that out if you are planning on that. It will be held at one of the group campsites.
The Interstate Tug-O-War should be a lot of fun. The rest of this event is intended to be in the spirit of our two associations working together but the tug-o-war will be all out Wisconsin vs Minnesota, MnGCA vs WGA, Packers vs Vikings, Gophers vs. Badgers... Be sure to wear your colors.